Rose Ann Klir departed for the eternal classroom on Sunday, May 8, 2022, from Inglehaven Communities. Rose was born on July 25, 1933, in Kenyon Valley, near Black River Falls, to James Jr. and Anna (Bohac) Klir. She attended grammar school in the Kenyon Valley Rural School, where she was inspired to become a rural school teacher. Rose attended Black River Falls High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1951. She enrolled in the two-year Rural Education course at La Crosse College, graduating in June of 1953. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of La Crosse in 1967.
Rose secured her first teaching position at Erbe School (1953-1957), then at Ruste School (1957-1960), both in the township of Blue Mounds, teaching grades 1-8. From there she taught at Andrew Henry (1961-1964) near Verona. She then became the first principal at LaFollette Heights School (1964-1967) and then moved to Mount Horeb Grade School to teach fifth grade until her retirement in January 1991. In retirement, she enjoyed visiting with former students. At her retirement party, her former students said they learned respect, discipline and when to say their please, thank you and excuse me’s. Perhaps some of her students also remember that a’s, o’s, d’s and g’s are closed; i’s and j’s are dotted; and t’s are crossed.
Rose was a member of the Mount Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was a member of the Women of the Church, served on various committees and was very active in the sewing group, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Rose learned the enjoyment of singing by listening to the “Journeys in Music Land.” She sang in the church choir for over 50 years and several years in the Mount Horeb Chorale. She volunteered for the Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce Information Hut. Unfortunately, her red car will no longer be seen around town.
Rose is survived by her sister, Mary (Klir) (Horne) Curtis of Dodgeville; a nephew, Mike (Gloria) Helstad of Hixton; and a niece, Sandy (Randy) Simpson of Durham, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Anna Klir; a foster sister, Geneva (Orville) Helstad; and brothers-in-law, Del Horne and Clarence Curtis.
A funeral service will be held at EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, with Pastor John Twiton presiding, followed by a luncheon furnished by the family at the church. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Rose’s obituary page at http://www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at the time of the service. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, 415 Maple St., Black River Falls.
Special thanks to the staff at Inglehaven, Pastor John Twiton, Joseph Tiegen, Dr. Berg and the staff at Upland Hills Health, and all her friends that visited her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at http://www.gundersonfh.com.
No responses yet